New Volvo FMX Tipper mucks in at RK Bell

George Barrow
April 1, 2019

RK Bell of Bridgewater, Somerset, has taken delivery of a new Volvo FMX tipper from local dealer Truck and Bus Wales & West. The 8x4 truck has been fitted with a Boweld tipper body and will be used for a variety of jobs from muck shifting to rental.

The company runs a mixed fleet of 10 trucks including an MAN TGX and Volvo FH tractor and a DAF CF flatbed.

The latest truck comes with the mid-sized 4,100mm wheelbase and a Winter White painted Day cab. Under the bonnet is Volvo’s D13K unit, which can churn out up to 420hp and 2,100Nm and is hooked to Volvo’s reputable I-Shift automated transmission, although this was initially greeted with scepticism from a company driver.

RK Bell transport manager Wayne Salter said: “The FMX replaced a manual Scania P-series, and our driver had his reservations. After completing the day’s training provided by Volvo, it won him over and he’s now impressed, which is good news as its going to be his office for the next six years, covering about 40,000 miles per year.”

As a lot of work will be off-road on construction sites and quarries, Salter specified the truck with the steel safety cage design and single-reduction drive-axles with differential and cross locks. It also has the Extra High B-Ride chassis height to protect the vehicle from damage when off-road, giving it more ground clearance for obstacles on site. On the back is a Boweld Taperlite tipping body.

“I’ve always been a fan of Volvos and was keen to take advantage of the new Truck and Bus Wales & West dealerpoint, which has recently opened in Bridgwater. We bought an FH there last year, and found it easy to deal with, so it was a straightforward choice when it came to replacing. We backed it up with a two-year gold service contract,” said Salter.

Established in 1941, RK Bell is into its third generation of family ownership and is one of the oldest civil engineering firms in Somerset.

  • Tip-Ex Tank-Ex, taking place in Harrogate from 30 May - 1 June 2019 is the UK's must-attend event for operators in the dry bulk and liquid tanker sectors. You can register free on the website.

About the Author

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George Barrow

George has been writing about nearly anything with wheels for the past 15 years and is the UK jury member of the International Van of the Year and International Pick-Up Award.

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